Why Should Your Senior Loved Ones Get Flu Shots?

Influenza season is again approaching. Statistics show that roughly 200,000 people are admitted to hospitals every year because of the flu. The CDC reminds everyone aged six months and above to get flu vaccines by the end of October, or so long as flu viruses continue to circulate.

The flu can cause serious complications that may be life-threatening. Its symptoms normally include a sore throat, muscle aches, fever, cough, and chills—all of which can interfere with a person’s everyday activities. In these instances, they may need to avail of home care services in Bloomfield, New Jersey.

The flu may differ in severity. However, adults aged 65 years and above usually bear the greatest burden. Since your immune system defenses weaken as you get older, influenza can be quite serious for adults in this age group.

Benefits of Flu Shots to Your Senior Loved Ones

1. Flu shots are the best way to avoid the flu.
2. Flu shots will help create a barrier between your senior loved one and becoming sick.
3. Flu shots can reduce flu-related health care visits by 50%.
4. The flu shot can also reduce passed away rate from 1,000 per year to 600 per year if they contract the flu with a vaccine versus not getting it at all.
5. If your seniors can get a flu shot, they can avoid the severe symptoms of the flu .
6. The flu shot is also very easy to administer and doesn’t hurt.
7. The flu shots are very easy to administer in your senior loved ones’ home because it does not need to be in a hospital setting.
8. Even if your senior loved ones are very sick from the flu, they could still get a flu shot because it works in 90% of cases.
9. They can avoid more serious complications of the flu such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and even death.
10. The flu shot protects against 5 strains of the flu.

How Should You Prepare Your Senior Loved Ones Before Getting a Flu Vaccine?

• Provide lots of validation for their decision: “I know it will be difficult for you, but I really want you to get this shot!”

• Be aware of their particular need: “You’re in good health and have no underlying medical conditions that would put you at a higher risk” (this may apply in some instances as we age.)

• Be a resource for them and guide them through the necessary steps involved in obtaining a vaccine or supplies.

• Offer to help them find a doctor by calling around until you find one they like.

• Help them with understanding their insurance, finding a clinic, and getting transportation to the doctor’s office.

• Ask if you can go with them to their appointment! It will be a time when they are vulnerable and could use some extra support.

• Offer to help them understand how to take care of themselves after the flu vaccine (i.e., resting often that day, drinking lots of fluids).

• Ask the doctor if you can watch while they receive their vaccine (if they are old enough).

• Ask your doctor for a copy of any studies related to flu shots and the elderly.

What to expect during and after your shot

1. You will be asked to sign an Informed Consent form.
2. You will be asked to provide your name, date of birth, and address before getting your flu shot.
3. A trained nurse or doctor will give you a flu vaccine in the upper arm with a needle (similar to giving blood) and may use some type of tape or bandage as support afterwards.
4. You may experience redness or a sore spot at the injection site for a couple of days.
5. You might feel some pain, ache, or soreness in your arm after getting the flu shot. It will go away in a few days.
6. You may not feel well for a few hours after getting the flu shot. You should take it easy and avoid doing heavy work.
7. Some people with severe allergies to flu vaccine or any ingredients in the vaccine should not get the flu shot. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have ever had a severe reaction to any flu shots in the past, or if you know that you have any severe allergies that could be a reason for not getting the flu shot.
8. If your doctor feels that you have a severe reaction to the flu vaccine, you will be told to get a different type of shot.
9. You should not get a flu shot if you are sick with a fever.

If your senior loved ones are receiving senior care in New Jersey, it is important that they get a flu shot every year in order to maximize their protection from contracting the illness. Immunity wanes each year, so flu vaccines are updated annually for patients to keep up with the changing illness.

To lessen your elderly loved ones’ risk of developing complications from the flu, our compassionate home caregivers at Serenity Senior Care can remind them to get a yearly flu vaccination. Our caregivers can also encourage your loved ones to seek out medical assistance if they develop flu-like symptoms.

Contact us to know more about how we can help your aging loved ones get their flu shots. We also provide other services ranging from personal care to nursing care in New Jersey, so please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.